KEARNY —
The 11th season of the Kearny Farmer’s Market kicks off Thursday, June 23, and when it does, it will be flanked by the Don De Pascale Jazz Duo, with a live performance beginning at 1 p.m.
The market takes place noon to 6 p.m., each Thursday through October, on Garfield Ave., between Kearny Ave. and Chestnut St., adjacent to the main Kearny Public Library.
The aforementioned music is part of a special program put together by Josh Humphrey, the director of the library, that brings live music to the library and market during the summer.
John Peneda, who puts the market together as the Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone coordinator, says this year’s market will be the best in its 11-year history.
“On opening day, the first 100 patrons will receive a free herb,” Peneda said. “Those who spend $10 at any one individual vendor will also receive a free canvas bag that can be reused to carry items home at future installments of the market.”
These are only a handful of reasons why Peneda hopes residents and non-residents alike will take advantage of the market.
“Everything is freshly picked the day before,” Peneda said. “In the months of July and August, patrons will be able to take advantage of a $1 off coupon to be used on a purchase of $10 or more at any individual vendor. But we also hope that when patrons of the farmer’s market are done buying their fruits and vegetables, they explore businesses in the area. Maybe someone comes to the market and then says, ‘Well, while we’re here, we can stop into Mandees.’ We want people, especially those who are from out of town, to see all we have to offer.”
Those coupons will be made available through an insert in future editions of The Observer — so be sure to look out for them.
Fourth Ward Councilwoman Susan McCurrie, who was instrumental in bringing a farmer’s market to Kearny more than a decade ago, echoed Peneda’s sentiments — this year’s market will be the best ever, she says.
“We are really proud of the popularity of the Kearny Farmer’s Market,” McCurrie said. “We expect this 11th season will be even better than before. Where else can you shop Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables, receive a free canvas bag, a free plant and listen to wonderful music?”
The market will also feature fresh breads and cheeses.
“There’s such a great variety and freshness of fruits and vegetables, as well as breads and cheeses,” Mayor Alberto Santos said. “You will not be disappointed.”
Meanwhile, vouchers for senior citizens are available at the Kearny Health Department, 645 Kearny Ave., and WIC vouchers are also accepted.
Go box:
What: The 2016 season of the Kearny Farmer’s Market
When: Thursdays through October, beginning June 23, from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Garfield Ave., Kearny, between Chestnut St. and Kearny Ave. (outside the Kearny Public Library).
Learn more about the writer ...
Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, an organization he has served since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, and X, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to Kearny to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.